You Need An Experienced Attorney After a Florida Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident

Because of Florida's beautiful weather and sunny, pleasant climate, riding motorcycles or bicycles are popular forms of transportation. Although these forms of transportation are very convenient, they can also be quite dangerous. When a biker is in an accident with a 3,000-pound vehicle, or with an 80,000-pound semi, the outcome is certain to be catastrophic.

There are a number of ways in which bicycle wrecks and motorcycle accidents are substantially different than car crashes. For example, in the state of Florida, you must prove that you have suffered a permanent injury in order to recover pain and suffering damages after an auto accident. If you’re an auto accident victim, then you must prove that you suffered significant, permanent injuries, scarring, or disfigurement in order to collect compensation for your pain and suffering. These criteria are known as the “permanency threshold.” However, if you’ve been in a Florida motorcycle accident, then you do not have to meet this permanency threshold. In fact, this permanency threshold does not apply to Florida bicycle or motorcycle accidents.

Sarasota bicycle and motorcycle accidents are also different from car accidents in that there is no seat belt defense. This is a defense raised by defendants and insurers claiming that, in an auto accident case, the lack of use of a seat belt caused or contributed to the injuries and damages. This does not apply to bike or motorcycle accident cases because, obviously, there is no seat belt to wear.

These are just a few of the major differences between Florida bike accident and auto accident cases. To discuss the details of your particular case, contact our Sarasota accident attorneys today.

Representing Victims of Serious Florida Accidents

A motorcycle wreck or bicycle accident can leave behind serious, life changing injuries. The husband and wife team of Damian and Sara Mallard represents victims of Florida bicycle and motorcycle accidents who have sustained injuries such as:

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Central Florida bike or motorcycle accident, contact the Mallard Law Firm to speak with a Sarasota attorney that is experienced, dependable, and local.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company's Settlement Offer?

If you have been injured in a Sarasota bike accident, the chances are very likely that the negligent party's insurance company has contacted you. They may ask you to talk about the accident—just to get the facts straight—and will probably want a recorded statement. It is most important that you NEVER give a recorded statement without first consulting with a Sarasota injury lawyer. You are not required to give a statement. In fact, you are not even required to talk to the insurance company. If you do, anything you say can (and will!) be used against you.

The insurance company may also offer you a settlement. While the settlement that they offer you may seem tempting, the reality is that the insurance company is not going to give you their best offer. Not even close. They know how much you actually deserve and will try to make it seem like their offer is the best you're going to get. Whatever you do, DO NOT accept the insurance company's settlement offer without consulting with a Sarasota accident attorney.

The job of the insurance company is to settle your case for as little as possible, even if that means leaving you with a lifetime of pain and anguish and no way to pay for your medical bills; therefore, it is extremely important that you speak with a Sarasota personal injury lawyer before giving any statements, signing any paperwork, or accepting any settlements.

You have already been the victim of a serious bike accident in Florida, don't allow yourself to fall victim to the insurance company's tactics as well. Contact a qualified accident attorney at the Mallard Law Firm today at 888-409-3805 to schedule your free, no-obligation legal consultation.

The Sarasota bike accident attorneys at the Mallard Law Firm represent victims who have sustained serious injuries in Florida motorcycle and bicycle accidents throughout the state, including the cities of Sarasota, Bradenton, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, Sebring, North Port, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, and Tampa and the counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Desoto, Highlands, Pinellas, and Hillsborough. We also represent victims who have been involved in serious accidents on I-75, US 41, US 301, SR 45, SR 64, SR 70, SR 93, SR 683,Tamiami Trail, University Parkway, Fruitville Road, Clark Road, Bee Ridge Road, and Manatee Avenue West, along with all other roads and streets in the counties and cities referenced above.